The New Testament book of James presents a seemingly contentious statement: “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). To some, this could suggest that works are necessary for salvation. However, the Free Grace theology offers a unique interpretation: Faith alone suffices for salvation, and while works aren’t a prerequisite, they are a vital demonstration of faith in action — a tangible testament to the transformative power of faith in spreading the Gospel. Free Grace theology simply takes Jesus at His word and doesn’t try to add meanings between the lines or redefine terms as Calvinism and Arminianism or other ‘isms do.
Let’s delve into ten Bible verses that shed light on this Free Grace perspective, offering commentary on each.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Ephesians powerfully reminds us that salvation is a gift from God received through faith, explicitly stating that it isn’t a result of works. This verse really should settle the matter. It should be a slam dunk. You CANNOT earn or add to, reinforce, or keep your salvation. It is a free gift and there are no takebacks.
“For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”
This verse underscores faith alone, without the requirement of good deeds or adherence to the law, as sufficient for justification before God.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John’s iconic verse places faith — believing in Jesus — at the center of salvation, not requiring works to attain eternal life. Paul agrees with John as you will see quite clearly in the scripture verses cited below.
“Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law.”
Galatians emphasizes that faith, not works, brings us into a right relationship with God, aligning with the Free Grace stance.
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Salvation here is dependent on declarations of faith-affirming Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection. Works are not mentioned as a necessity for salvation.
“They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.'”
This verse supports Free Grace theology, centering belief as the pathway to salvation.
“However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.”
Romans 4:5 clearly indicates that righteousness is credited through faith, not works.
“Then they asked him, ‘What must we do to do the works God requires?’ Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.'”
Jesus defines the “work” God requires as faith in Him, illustrating that belief is more critical than conventional works. This concept has its corollary in John 6:40 where doing ‘the will of the Father‘ is simply believing in His Son.
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Justification and peace with God, as per this verse, are accomplished through faith, not works.
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
This verse suggests that salvation is a result of God’s mercy, not our righteous deeds (works). Salvation comes through spiritual rebirth and renewal, notions intrinsically tied to belief and faith, not works. Regeneration and rebirth (‘being born-again’ as Jesus told Nicodemus was an absolute necessity for salvation) happen instantly WHEN you believe in Jesus’ promise of eternal life in John 3:16.
While works are not a prerequisite for salvation according to the Free Grace perspective, they are crucially important. Works, seen as the visible expression of our faith, have the power to manifest the Gospel message to others. They are the conduit through which the transformative power of faith can be shared. While faith secures our salvation, works are the testament to our faith and the medium through which it can touch the lives of others. The ten verses above capture this essence, suggesting that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, freely given, to be received through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Q: What is Free Grace theology?
A: Free Grace theology is a Christian theological perspective that salvation is achieved solely through faith in Jesus Christ. This perspective views good works as an important outward demonstration of this faith but not as a prerequisite for salvation.
Q: What does ‘faith without works is dead’ mean in Free Grace theology?
A: In the context of Free Grace theology, “faith without works is dead” means that while faith alone is necessary for salvation, a faith that does not result in works is unproductive or inactive in fulfilling its purpose of demonstrating the Gospel and impacting the world.
Q: What Bible verses support Free Grace theology?
A: Various Bible verses align with Free Grace theology, including Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:28, John 3:16, Galatians 2:16, Romans 10:9, Acts 16:31, Romans 4:5, John 6:28-29, Romans 5:1, and Titus 3:5.
Q: Does Free Grace theology discount the importance of good works?
A: No, Free Grace theology does not discount the importance of good works. Instead, it emphasizes that while good works do not contribute to salvation, they are crucially important for demonstrating one’s faith and spreading the Gospel message.
